A collaboration agreement has been signed between Grupo Antolin and PersiSKIN – a startup that produces a plant-based material as an alternative to animal and synthetic leather – for the development and supply of a vegetal skin which meets the requirements for use within automotive interiors.
PersiSKIN, based in Valencia, Spain, uses surplus persimmon harvest to manufacture the vegetal skin. The country produces 500,000 tons of the fruit per year but only half reaches the consumer, meaning PersiSKIN’s use of the surplus fruit also provides environmental advantages.
Unlike other alternatives to leather which are based on the use of agri-food waste or by-products, the PersiSKIN solution integrates more than 75% of organic vegetable content in the material. The two companies aim to deliver a vegetal material that offers the same technical performance and quality as conventional materials as well as a reduced environmental impact too. PersiSKIN will adapt its manufacturing process to suit interior components.
PersiSKIN and Antolin are targeting the full use of the waste and surplus from persimmon production to create a natural, ecological, vegan, and mainly bio-based coating of vegetable origin. The collaboration will provide OEMs with a sustainable alternative to animal skin, in addition to reducing chemicals products and water consumption.
“This alliance comes at the perfect time,” said Raul Gallego, head of Advanced Materials at Antolin Corporate Innovation. “Together, PersiSKIN and Antolin will be able to offer the market a unique and truly sustainable solution that can be perfectly integrated as an alternative to animal and synthetic coverings in future vehicles. As part of this agreement, PersiSKIN will work closely with our Corporate Innovation Department to adapt a promising technical solution to the demanding automotive sector.”
“Both companies have pooled our experience to develop this material in an efficient way that is committed to sustainable development objectives,” explained Jaime Sanfelix, CEO of PersiSKIN. “The complementarity of our capabilities, as well as a common vision, will contribute to a future of quality materials while caring for our environment and augurs a fruitful relationship with which we will have the capability to offer attractive solutions for customers.”
